Short Hikes Lake Tahoe

Emerald Bay / Vikingsholm

The trail starts at the parking area on the north side of Emerald Bay, on Hwy 89. It's a wide and well-maintained trail, but fairly steep all the way. About 2 1/2 miles round trip. At the bottom of the trail is picnicking, and Vikingsholm, a 38-room replica of a Scandinavian castle.

Five Lakes

From Tahoe City, drive 3.85 miles north on Hwy 89 to Alpine Meadows Road, then drive 2.1 miles up Alpine Meadows Road to the Five Lakes Trail, on the right side of the road opposite the upper end of Deer Park Drive. Ascending this wide well graded trail, you can reach the Five Lakes basin in about hour. Classification: moderate. It is 2.1 miles to largest lake, 4.1 miles to Whiskey Creek Camp.

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You'll find a self-guided nature trail that begins and ends at the Eastbound 1-80 rest stop on Donner Summit. This is a relaxing stroll with sights along the trail explaining how glacial action carved and polished the area.

Loch Leven Lakes

These 3 beautiful glacial tans make up the Loch Leven group. There is a well-graded trail climbs 3 miles to the first lake, and then reaches two more in the next few miles. The island-dotted lakes are beautiful, and excellent for swimming. Trailhead: Big Bend exit off 1-80. The parking lot is 1/8 mile east of the Visitor Center. A good hike if you're headed for Sacramento or the Bay Area at day's end.

Lower Lola Montez Lake

From 1-80 West of Truckee, take the Soda Springs exit. Take 2 quick rights, passing the fire station, to a parking area and trailhead. Follow the trail north until you come to a road that will take you across Castle Creek (may cause some wet feet in springtime). Follow the road about 1/4 a mile to a trail, which veers to the right. Another 1/4 mile ahead, the trail rejoins the road. Continue climbing on the road about 1 mile until you reach a fiat, open meadow where the road ends. The trail begins in the meadow, but may be difficult to follow due to overgrowth. The trail forks in the meadow; bear right to go to the lake, which is about 1/4 mile ahead. There are campsites and fishing. This is an easy

Rubicon Trail

This shoreline route starts in D.L.Bliss State Park, about 13 miles south of Tahoe City on Hwy 89. The trail has moderate ups and downs, following an undeveloped portion of Lake Tahoe's shoreline for about 3 miles to the mouth of Emerald Bay. From there it follows the Bay shoreline another 1 1/2 -2 miles to Vikingsholm. (NOTE: Vikingsholm up to Hwy 89 is a steep mile, but you can return along the highway instead of doubling back on the trail.) State Park fee: $5 per vehicle. No dogs are allowed on trails in California State Parks. Call 525-7077 for info.

Summit Lake

From 1-80 take the Castle Peak exit to the south side of the freeway, then travel east about 1/4 mile to the Pacific Crest Trailhead parking area. The trail travels in an easterly direction, 3/4 of a mile, then intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail. Turn left, as indicated by the Castle Pass sign. You will soon pass through a tunnel under I-SO. Shortly after the underpass is the intersection with the Summit Lake Trail, which is clearly marked.

Shirley Lake

In Squaw Valley, the trail starts at the end of Squaw Peak Road. (There are numerous trails, which follow the creek up to Shirley Lake; this is one of them). It follows Squaw Creek about 2 1/2 miles each way to Shirley Lake, passing gorgeous waterfalls and canyon boulders. (Top of tram to Shirley Lake adds considerable distance). Going uphill, stay to the left of the creek; going downhill, stay to the right. The trail diverges and disappears at times, but just keep following the creek and you'll get there. Carry water. The hike is somewhat difficult, and takes 2 1/2-3 hours. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes.

Tunnel Creek Station

Trail road starts at Nevada Hwy 28, across from Hidden Beach, about 1 mile past Ponderosa Ranch (no sign, look for gate), a steep trail road, about 1 1/2 miles each way, at the ruins of the western portal of the old log flume tunnel. Limited parking along Hwy 28. (See north & east shore hiking trails map) A topographic map and compass are recommended. Topo maps are at The North Lake Chamber of Commerce, 245 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, CA

You may wish the assistance of these business on your adventures.